Stray Cats And The Music Video For Stray Cat Strut Shot With A Cat That Wouldn’T Stay Still

April 2, 2025

It was the summer of 1981, and the world was about to meet the most charming feline star of the decade. Brian Setzer, the lead singer of the Stray Cats, was bursting with excitement as he prepared to shoot the music video for their hit song “Stray Cat Strut.” The song was a celebration of coolness and independence, inspired by the rockabilly sound of the 1950s. However, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as he had envisioned.

On the set of the video, a sunlit alleyway filled with graffiti and vibrant colors, Brian had a vision of a sleek, confident cat strutting down the street. Instead, what he got was a furry ball of energy that would not stay still. The cat darted left and right, climbing over crates, jumping onto trash cans, and even rolling around like it was playing a game of tag. With every take, Brian felt his patience wearing thin, but he realized that this chaotic little creature was bringing its own charm to the video. It was as if this mischievous cat embodied the spirit of the Stray Cats themselves—wild, free, and unrestrained.

As the hours passed and the sun began to set, Brian decided to embrace the chaos. He poured his heart into the song, singing with passion as the unpredictable cat danced around him. Every time it did something unexpected, Brian found himself laughing, and soon, the crew was laughing too. They had started the day as a serious music video shoot, but now it felt like a spontaneous celebration of life and creativity. The cat’s antics transformed the project into something more than just a video; it became a moment where everyone could feel the joy of being alive and free.

When the video was finally released, it quickly captured the attention of fans and music critics alike. The blend of rockabilly vibes and playful visuals struck a chord, and “Stray Cat Strut” became a massive hit. Brian’s career took off after that, propelling the Stray Cats into the spotlight and securing their place in music history. The unpredictable cat, now a legend in its own right, had unintentionally added a layer of authenticity to the video, reminding everyone about the beauty of spontaneity and embracing the unexpected.

Even years later, when Brian reflects on that day, he smiles at the memory of the wild little cat. It taught him a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best moments in life come from embracing chaos and uncertainty. The Stray Cats became not just a band but a symbol of resilience and passion, inspiring countless musicians to follow their dreams, no matter how tricky the path may seem. In the end, it was more than a music video; it was a reminder to all who watched that it’s the little surprises that often lead to the biggest successes.